Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Aquinas College cheer team competed in the WHAC Competitive Cheer Championships and NAIA Qualifying Competition on Saturday inside the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center. The conference also took time to recognize student-athletes for their academic achievements and All-Conference honors. Aquinas celebrated seniors Nicole Bertone, Jason Sanden, and Caroline Voorheis as they took part in their final home competition.

Six teams competed in the championship event, each vying for a chance to qualify for nationals. Although Aquinas did not finish where they had hoped, the Saints showed determination and resilience while posting their highest scores of the season. AQ ultimately placed fifth in the competition, and when technical difficulties briefly interrupted the event, the teams came together to demonstrate the sportsmanship that defines the conference.

In the preliminary round, Aquinas successfully executed all of its stunts and performed a clean routine without any tumbles. Madonna led the standings after the first round with a score of 93.43, followed by Siena Heights with 88.55. Lourdes sat in third with 87.68, while Cornerstone recorded a 75.4. Aquinas posted a score of 71.12 to sit in fifth, and Rochester Christian rounded out the field with 57.2. With the final round still ahead, the door remained open for movement in the standings.

During the Saints' final performance, Aquinas once again hit all of its stunts while bringing strong energy and enthusiasm to the mat. The team delivered a confident performance and finished with a score of 74.71.

Rochester Christian placed sixth with a 57.05, while Aquinas finished fifth with a 74.71. Cornerstone claimed fourth with a 76.75. Siena Heights rounded out the top three with an 84.39, while Lourdes secured second place with a 91.13. Madonna captured the WHAC Championship with a final score of 92.53.

During the awards ceremony, Nicole Bertone and Mackenzie Rennells were named to the 2026 WHAC Competitive Cheer All-Academic Team. Bertone was also recognized as the WHAC Cheer Champion of Character for Aquinas College.

Coaches Comments 

"Today was an exciting day for AQ Cheer! We achieved our highest scores of the season. I was so proud of the team for the two routines they performed." said head coach Sue Smith. "The energy was electric and the execution was outstanding. I couldn't have asked for a better end to the NAIA season. We honored our three seniors JR Sanden, Nicky Bertone, and Carrie Voorheis during the competition. Each has been a leader on the team and so loved by all. We are looking forward to our next competition when we head to Daytona Beach to compete at NCA College Nationals." 

"I'm so proud of our award winners today. Nicky Bertone won the NAIA Champions of Character award. She exemplifies the characteristics of this award that include integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Mackenzie Rennells and Nicky Bertone won the WHAC All-Academic award. Congratulations Nicky and Kenzie!"